Leopard seals are large, solitary marine mammals inhabiting the frigid waters surrounding the Antarctic continent and its sub-Antarctic islands. These animals possess a distinct appearance, characterized by a long, slender body, a remarkably large head, and powerful jaws. Females tend to be slightly larger than males, with some reaching lengths exceeding 3.5 meters (11.5 feet) and weighing over 500 kilograms (1,100 pounds). Leopard seals typically spend their lives among the pack ice, though they are occasionally sighted further north along the coastlines of southern continents. They can live for up to 26 years in the wild.
The Leopard Seal’s Predatory Nature
Leopard seals are formidable hunters. Their jaws open widely, revealing exceptionally long canine teeth and sharply pointed molars used for gripping and tearing prey. Beyond their sharp canines, their molars also uniquely interlock, allowing them to sieve krill from the water. This dual-purpose dentition enables a diverse and opportunistic diet.
Their diet includes krill, fish, squid, and various seabirds. Penguins are a significant food source for adult leopard seals, which often ambush them near ice edges. Leopard seals also hunt other seals, including pups of crabeater, Weddell, southern elephant, and fur seals. Evidence suggests leopard seals also prey on sharks, particularly in New Zealand waters.
Position in the Antarctic Food Web
Leopard seals occupy a high trophic level within the Antarctic marine food web. Their large size, considerable strength, and agile movements in water contribute to their dominance. Adult females, often larger than males, tend to feed at higher trophic levels, capable of capturing more energy-dense prey. This species is largely solitary, which enhances their independent hunting success and reduces direct competition.
Their adaptability in diet, shifting between krill, fish, penguins, and even other seals, underscores their ecological standing. Individual leopard seals often specialize in certain prey types. This specialized predation, combined with their formidable physical attributes, places them near the apex of the food chain, making them dominant predators.
Exceptional Encounters
While leopard seals are apex predators, instances of them being preyed upon are extremely rare. The known predator of the leopard seal is the killer whale (Orcinus orca). Killer whales are significantly larger and more powerful, weighing 1,360 to 5,440 kilograms (3,000 to 12,000 pounds), compared to the leopard seal’s 200 to 600 kilograms (440 to 1,320 pounds).
These predation events are uncommon and often involve younger or less robust leopard seals. Killer whales are highly intelligent social animals that hunt in coordinated groups, giving them an advantage over the solitary leopard seal. Evidence suggests leopard seals are more likely to prey on sharks than be preyed upon by them, highlighting the rarity of such encounters.